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VOL. 130, NO. 14 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Governor resumes mask mandate ‘We are all still in danger’
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Columbia County has seen a significant rise in COVID-19 cases this week, including 80 cases and a new death on Wednesday, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Statewide, the OHA said there were seven other new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon on Wednesday and 40 reported COVID-19 related deaths this week, up from 25 reported the previous week. OHA reported 8,304 new daily cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 8. That represents a 40% increase over the previous week. There were 322 new COVID-19 hospitalizations, up from 256 last week. That marked the fifth consecutive week of increases. Mask mandate Due to the sharp rise in the COVID-19 cases and deaths, Oregon resumes its indoor mask mandate effective Friday, Aug. 13. Gov. Kate Brown said the effort to require the face coverings at all public indoor settings is needed to slow the rapidly spreading COVID-19 Delta virus in the state. Brown opened a Wednesday morning press conference by saying the latest COVID-19 numbers are “shocking.” “Yesterday we had over 2,300 cases of COVID, the highest number since the virus first landed in Oregon,” Brown said. “Hospitalizations are also up at record high. Across the state our ICU beds are about 90%
Metro Creative Connection / The Chief
The goal of indoor mask requirements is to limit the spread of the Delta variant as much as possible indoors, where COVID-19 spreads more easily, according to Gov. Brown. The requirement works in combination with efforts to encourage more Oregonians to become fully vaccinated.
filled. Some of our hospital regions have fewer than five ICU beds available to start the day.” Delta variant impact Brown said the numbers are the result of the COVID-19 Delta variant. “These numbers are despite the fact that nearly 73% of Oregon’s adults are vaccinated,” she said. “The harsh reality is that Delta is a different virus. It has changed everything.” Brown said the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health Sci-
ences University report that without new safety interventions, COVID-19 hospitalizations will completely overwhelm the doctors and nurses in the coming weeks. “Without safety measures we could be as many as 500 hospital beds short of what we need to treat people by September,” Brown said. “And that’s patients coming into the hospitals for any reasons. When hospitals run out of beds, we are all at risk.” According to Brown, the pandemic has taught that quick, decisive action saves lives. Brown said vaccines are the
best way for individuals to protect themselves and their families from the deadly virus. Immediate action required “It is clear that the situation requires immediate action to stop the Delta variant from traveling further,” Brown said. “Masks are simple and they are effective. “Masks are also our best bet in keeping our schools and our businesses open. Wearing a mask should give you confidence that you are not infecting others.” Oregon Health Authority Direc-
tor Patrick Allen told reporters that the Delta variant virus is spreading uncontrollable among people who are not vaccinated. “It will get worse if we do not take immediate action,” Allen said. Allen said state agencies are now working with hospitals across the state in repositioning resources, such as respirators, and mobilizing nurses to ensure patient care. “This is a disappointing reminder that we still have dark days ahead,” Brown said. “Until more people get vaccinated, we are all still in danger.” When asked about reversing her position this week after saying the mask mandate should be up to local elected officials, Brown said, “It was really clear that local elected officials were not willing to make the tough decisions to preserve and ensure protection of our hospital beds.” Brown is also mandating that all state employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. “I encourage all public employees to do the exact same thing,” she said. Brown said it will be up to local school superintendents to decide if teachers should be required to be vaccinated. Concerning public protection at large outdoor events, such as University of Oregon Duck football games, Brown said that local officials have the authority to take action. “I am asking Oregonians to mask up and get vaccinated so we can reduce the number of additional hospital beds that we might need,” she said. See MASKS Page A7
Clatskanie gets $10 Million to replace aging sewer plant JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The city of Clatskanie has taken a major financial step forward in efforts to build a new wastewater treatment plant. Gov. Kate Brown signed HB 5006A on Friday, Aug. 6. Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said the legislation gives the city $10 million to construct the new wastewater treatment plant and a new access road to the facility. The new plant will be built right beside the existing plant at 100 NW 4th Street in Clatskanie. In 2020, the City, through a grant from Business Oregon, received monies to conduct a facility master plan which determined the existing plant was too old to refurbish and that a new plant needed to be built. Hinkelman said the overall cost to
Chief photo
The funding will allow the city to replace this current aging wastewater treatment plant at 100 NW 4th Street in Clatskanie.
build the new wastewater treatment plant is $9.3 million based on that facility master plan and the access road is construction cost is estimated at $700,000.
Following the 2020 plan, the city began looking for ways to fund the new plant. As a result of the Oregon receiving federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act, the state legislature was able to fund sev-
eral projects throughout the state to include Clatskanie’s request for the $10 million. “The city, back in July, also received a $720,000 Community Block
Development Grant (CBDG) to conduct the engineering and design of the plant along with the environmental assessment,” Hinkelman said. Following the legislative action and Brown’s signing of the funding bill, Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich said he is thrilled that the city can now move forward with the muchneeded plant project. “It is a critical project for the city and its future as we look toward community growth and ensuring the treated water coming out of the plant is compliant with all current and future DEQ regulations which will keep the surrounding environment and the Clatskanie River as pristine as possible,” Brajcich said. Brajcich said he and the Clatskanie City Council are “profoundly See PLANT Page A5
New Rainier principal offers ‘culture of care’ JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
“It was a friendly welcome by students and the staff,” Michelle Tullock said as she walked into Rainier Jr./Sr. High School as the new principal. “That was my impression.” Tullock knows full well that her first year as principal will be challenging, but she brings to the job
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30 years of experience as an educator, working closely with students K-12 as a reading arts teacher, special education instructor, a licensed librarian, a vice principal and most recently a culture of care coordinator at the St. Helens School District. “So I understand where they are coming from,” she said. “I understand what many of their concerns and worries are. I also have an attitude of compassion and a genuine care for them, and I think students feel that from me. I think the Rainier students will get that as well, because I actually care about them and how they are doing. I want to listen and support them and make this a warm, welcoming place for them.” Student mental health concerns Tullock acknowledged that
the pandemic will be a continuing challenge and that the COVID-19 restrictions and the stay home orders have brought to light mental health issues of everyone, children to adults. “Parents were with their children for so long,” she said. “Kids needed help getting online (for distant learning). Parents needed to check and see if that their children were engaged. We were teaching class in their living rooms basically. School came home.” Tullock said parents having the increasing responsibility for their children was stressful along with the economic and financial concerns that the distant learning and the pandemic triggered. “Students didn’t have that outlet of going to school and seeing See TULLOCK Page A3
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Michelle Tullock is the new principal at Rainier Jr./Sr. High School.
Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247
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Friday, August 13, 2021
State agencies issue heat wave danger alert JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has declared a state of emergency in Oregon to ensure additional resources are available to respond to forecasted excessively high temperatures. The emergency declaration was triggered by the need for state agencies to assist local and Tribal jurisdictions in providing for the health and safety of their residents. Multiple days of extreme heat with little or no cooling overnight may also impact critical infrastructure, causing utility outages and transportation disruptions. “Oregon is facing yet another extreme heat wave, and it is critical that every level of government has the resources they need to help keep Oregonians safe and healthy,” Brown said. “I encourage Oregonians to take proactive steps to keep themselves and their families safe, including drinking plenty of fluids, taking advantage of cooling centers, and checking in on neighbors, friends, and loved ones.” Brown has directed the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate the state’s Emergency Coordination Center to coordinate essential protective measures. She has also directed state agencies to provide any assistance requested by OEM to support response efforts.
According to a release from Brown’s office, heat-related illnesses are preventable — all Oregonians are encouraged to learn the symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. Oregonians who do not have air conditioning in their homes are strongly encouraged to make a plan today to find a cool location they can access during the heat wave. All Oregonians are asked to check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors who may be susceptible to extreme heat. Brown issued the state of emergency declaration Aug. 10. This week, the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning, forecasting temperatures into the 100s for Columbia County and much of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington.
related resources, including a list of cooling centers by county. The 211 service will keep its prompt operating 24/7 for the rest of summer. Cooling center information is also available at 211info.org. Stay informed
Metro Creative Connection / The Chief
Oregon experienced a historic heat wave in late June that led to the deaths of 116 people, including an elderly person in Columbia County. Temperatures soared as high as 116 degrees in parts of Columbia County.
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) urge the public to take proactive actions to help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses that can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These lead agencies officials said they continue to coordinate statewide needs and resources and assess impacts to meet the needs of Oregonians. They are col-
lectively sharing and amplifying heat-related messages to the public, encouraging Oregonians to stay safe and drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, take advantage of cooling centers, remain out of the sun, and check in on neighbors, friends and loved ones. “We know excessive heat conditions can be extremely dangerous and must be taken seriously,” OEM Director Andrew Phelps said. “We are asking Oregonians to pull together and prepare for the inevitable effects of high
With the new extreme fire danger as well as the excessive heat warning in effect, the fire districts of Columbia County including Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Clatskanie Fire District, Mist-Birkenfeld Fire District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Scappoose Fire District and Vernonia Fire District have closed all burning, even in county parks, effective immediately. All open burning is prohibited, including recreational campfires, portable propane/
patio fireplaces, and charcoal BBQs. “Anytime we go to an extreme fire danger, it is definitely serious,” Columbia River Fire & Rescue District’s Rainier Station Battalion Chief Jerry Cole said. “We know this inconveniences people with recreational fires, but it is for the best.” According to Cole, everyone needs to be vigilant during such extreme fire danger. “If you see smoke, or see a fire, call 9-1-1 and we will
Safety message
temperatures. Take time now to make a plan to stay cool as temperatures rise – make sure your plan includes connecting with friends, family or neighbors who may be susceptible to extreme heat and offering to help them access the resources they need. The simplest act to help can save lives” ODHS encourages people who need relief from the high temperatures to connect with 211 for information on cooling center locations, hours and transportation to the centers. Dial 211 and wait for the prompt to find hot weather-
State officials urge Oregonians to stay to informed about the heat index and conditions when planning activities and find ways to stay cool and hydrated. The heat index measures how hot it feels outside when factoring in humidity with the actual air temperature. Individuals should also learn how to prevent, recognize and treat heat-related illnesses. OHA officials said they provides several easily accessible resources for the public, local health departments and other organizations to assist ongoing outreach efforts to those most vulnerable to extreme heat events. The agency urges people to contact their primary care provider or visit an urgent care facility if they begin to experience heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, heat rash or other non-emergent medical care needs. Who is at most risk? People over the age of 65 and those with a chronic med-
ical condition, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer or kidney disease, may be less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature, according to health officials. Also, they may be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. People in this category should be closely monitored to make sure they’re drinking enough water, have access to air conditioning and know how to keep cool. Those who exercise in extreme heat or work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illnesses and should pay particular attention to staying as cool and hydrated as possible. This alert follows an historic heat wave in Oregon in late June in which 116 people, including an elderly Columbia County woman, lost their lives in heat-related deaths.
Cooling Centers Clatskanie Library District Thu-Fri: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 11 Lillich St. Clatskanie 503-728-3732 Rainier Public Library Thu: 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Fri: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 106 W B St. Rainier 503-556-7301
Columbia County burn ban in effect JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Columbia County has moved to Extreme Fire Danger, and all burning is now closed, according to the Columbia County Fire District Board. In addition, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through the weekend. The heat warning is due to high temperatures and low humidity.
respond to check it out,” he said. Fire officials warn that even tossing a cigarette or parking your vehicle in tall grass can lead to wildfires that will spread fast due to the extreme dry conditions and afternoon winds. “Carelessness is the biggest cause of wildfires,” according to a release from the fire district board, “so it is everyone’s responsibility to practice fire safety.” Escaped fires of any kind
resulting in property damage or requiring suppression efforts from a fire agency, may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages caused. For additional information regarding 2021fire seasonplease visit: www.oregon.gov/ ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions. aspxODF Fire Restriction page: (click on Columbia County when the map loads) gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/pfr.html.
Fast Fact
Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage or requiring suppression efforts from a fire agency may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages caused.
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Friday, August 13, 2021
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Clatskanie Garlic Festival Aug. 21
Corsica Red on bed of ornamental oregano. STEVE ROUTON Chief Guest Article
The Clatskanie Farmers Market is hosting its annual Garlic Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at Cope’ s Park across from the Clatskanie Library in the oxbow of the Clatskanie River. Last year’s festival was pre-empted by the pandemic, but the garlic is back. If you have attended our previous festivals you know about the garlic tasters, children’s activities, live music entertainment, and local vendors, but the feature in those previous years was the 20 or 30 different strains of
Courtesy photo
garlic adorning the vendor’s tables. This year we will double the number of strains and pump up the garlic expertise. Ian Glasser, with Columbia Gorge Garlic #ianthegarlicfarmer, from Stevenson, Washington will be joining us. Ian knows garlic. He will be bringing his organic varieties as well as his other specialty: heirloom tomatoes. To say Ian is “into” garlic is pale praise. He has some strains that are newly developed and don’t even have names yet. Ask him about his favorite, Krasnodar Reds. This hardneck strain has huge cloves and intense flavor.
Steve Routon holding garlic stocks.
Not all garlic is created equally This festival, like our Farmers Market, is focused on food literacy. Our food vendor, the Wild Locals, will offer not only their usual grilled fare, but will also prepare tasters that feature many of the garlic strains you’ll find for sale. Not all garlic is created equally. Some are mild with long shelf lives, others pack intense heat eaten raw but don’t keep as well. The tasters will lead you to your favorites and our garlic vendors enjoy nothing more than musing about all things garlic.
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Family affair Bring the whole family. Each Market day is opened by Scott, our resident storyteller, focusing on poignant and often humorous tales from the natural world. The Market will include a children’s booth with activities and projects designed specifically to engage with the younger set. Our typical market offerings include homemade goat milk soaps, fresh local vegetables, arts, crafts, lotions, plant starts, pastries, artisan breads, local honey, homemade toffee, and fiber arts. This year, our musical guests will be an acoustic
Ichelium Red on bed of lavender.
duet from Seattle named Briar and Joe Seamons. They will infuse the festival with their jazz, blues and folk songs. Briar and Joe dovetail nicely with our focus on education. They work regularly with the Rhapsody Project, a non-profit music education program that is building a model for cultural sustainability through roots culture in America. If you love music don’t miss this performance of some of the classics that serve as the basis for much of America’s popular music. As usual, we honor SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, and FDNP certificates. On this day we will also be selling garlic taster
Courtesy photo
tickets making it really easy to sort out those numerous garlic strains. If you love the tapenade, the garlic strain will be identified. Who does that? We will also offer up roasted garlic preparations smeared on grilled artisan bread, perhaps the best way to enjoy the bounty of the day. This day will be a celebration of community, culture and, oh yeah, garlic. Join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21, Cope’s Park in Clatskanie. We’ve got garlic! Steven Routon is a member of the Clatskanie Farmers Market.
Alert home following coast enforcement STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The Coast Guard Cutter Alert and its crew have returned to homeport in Astoria after completing a 60-day law enforcement patrol. During the operation, the crew enforced federal law and safety regulations aboard commercial fishing vessels operating within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone off the coasts of Washington and Oregon. The two-month patrol focused heavily on albacore tuna fishing and saw law enforcement teams board 31 vessels – many of which have not been boarded in
TULLOCK From Page A1
their friends, having activities,” she said. “I think that did bring things to a head for some people.” According to Tullock, the school can now be an effective helper through what she calls a culture of care. “We can create an environment that is safe and healthy for students,” she said. “We establish that by having predictability in our routines, by being warm, welcoming and engaging with students, by having compassion, by teaching students to how to understand stress and its effect on their body and their ability to learn.” Tullock cautions that the teachers and staff are not therapists. “But positioning connections with caring adults can be therapeutic for the students,” she said. “It is a little dose of that good stuff that they get from those positive interactions with a caring adult, so I think there is a lot that we can do.” Academics has always been the focus, Tullock said, but the schools also have to support students’ foundation. “To be in a safe environment is foundational to learning,” she said. Tullock said she anticipates there may be more support needs for the students during this new school year due to the pandemic impacts. “Students will be here all day, each school day, and we have a state mask mandate right now and that is uncomfortable, so I am anticipating and preparing for support for kids,” she said. Opportunities to re-start For teachers, Tullock said
more than 10 years – and issue 22 violations to commercial fishing vessel operators. “I couldn’t be more proud of Alert’s hard-working crew,” Alert Cmdr. Matthew Kolodica, said. “It is an honor to be part of a crew that is so passionate and focused on helping Oregon and Washington coastal communities operate safely and sustain their fisheries industries.” The nation’s maritime ecosystems are key to the United States’ economy and well-being. The Coast Guard plays a critical role in preserving and maintaining healthy populations of marine fish by preventing the decline of protected marine species populations,
protecting and promoting the recovery of endangered marine habitats, and partnering with other agencies to enhance and sustain marine ecosystems. In addition to safety and fisheries enforcement, the ship’s crew also aided in saving a commercial fisherman’s life. The sole person aboard his boat, sinking 160 miles off Grays Harbor, Washington, escaped into the vessel’s life raft before the boat submerged. The cutter was dispatched from another location July 30 to assist. Once on site, the crew served as on-scene coordinator and directed the Coast Guard Cutter Blue Shark, an 87foot Patrol Boat homeported
this new school year will offer challenges, and opportunities. She said society has been paying closer attention and talking about mental health issues, highlighted by Olympic star Simone Biles and other athletes’ personal decisions in how they are dealing with stress and mental health.
everything that kids need us to have,” she said. “The culture of care is more of who you are than what you do. Academics are than more accessible because kids feel comfortable, included and calm. The teachers feel more calm and more learning can take place.” Tullock said she is meeting individually with each teacher and classified staff members and will meet with the entire school staff collectively before school begins this fall. “I am realistic,” she said. “Thirty years has taught me that you don’t come in and scrap everything that has been done before and start something new. I will be doing a lot of listening. A lot of looking and observing. I want to hear from parents, from students, from teachers to see what kind of support they need. I am coming in fresh. I am really excited about this opportunity. This is all about relationships.” “She understands the needs of our community and our district and will be a great asset to Rainier School District,” Rainier School District Superintendent Joesph Hattrick told The Chief following Tullock’s selection as principal earlier this year. Tullock replaces Graden Blue who retired June 30. Tullock has roots in Columbia County, growing up in the Scappoose area and graduating from Scappoose High School. Principal Tullock and staff at Rainier Jr./Sr. High School may be reached at 503-556-4215.
This is all about relationships. ~ Michelle Tullock, Rainier Jr./Sr. High School Principal
According to Tullock, not everything related to the pandemic over the last year has been negative. “Teachers and kids have learned a ton of new technology,” she said. “I see this fall as a great opportunity to have a re-start of school. We have our background, our experience. There is a school culture here. There is a community culture. That is all part of where we are.” Tullock said the new school year offers an opportunity to begin implementing support efforts for students. “The culture of care is in addition to the academic requirements we always have had,” she said. “When you implement a culture of care you are going to get better results academically and more learning from students with classrooms that are safer emotionally and comfortable and inclusive.” When asked what her fear would be that might derail the culture of care, Tullock said she doesn’t have a fear. “I have an awareness that schools have always had a lot on our plates, so it will be a matter of keeping
in Everett, Washington, to launch its small boat and safely recover the man. Kolodica credited the versatility and success of the deployment – which was under the tactical oversight of the 13th Coast Guard District – to strong partnerships with the district and Coast Guard Air Stations Port Angeles, Astoria and North Bend. Alert returned to Astoria Saturday, Aug. 7.
Courtesy photo from the U. S. Coast Guard
The Coast Guard Cutter Alert’s small boat is launched during a July 10, 60-day fisheries patrol off the coasts of Washington and Oregon.
The Chief will be checking in from time to time with Tullock and the high school to see how everything is going during the new school year. Follow developments at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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•B lotter • •
The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. Oregon State Police Aug. 7 • At approximately 10:16 a.m. Oregon State Police responded to a cardiac arrest call at 1990 6th Street in Columbia City. OSP Troopers performed CPR until St Helens Police arrived with an automatic external defibrillator (AED). The AED was deployed and lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Columbia County Sheriff’s Office took over the death investigation. Aug. 8 • At approximately 4:19 a.m. OSP Troopers responded to a single vehicle crash near milepost 41 on Highway 30. The vehicle had struck the westbound guard rail before going off the eastbound shoulder and resting in the ditch. The vehicle was found unoccupied and towed from the scene due to damage. • At about 3:30 p.m. OSP Troopers responded to reports of a driving complainant involving a silver Chevrolet SUV. The driver of the vehicle was reportedly traveling recklessly at speeds of 90-100 mph and running red lights. The vehicle was located on Pittsburg Road and caused a traffic crash. An investigation determined that the driver was impaired. The driver was transported to the Columbia County Jail where they provided a breath test with a BAC of 0.18%. The driver was arrested for DUII - Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering and Fail to Perform the Duties of a Driver. • At about 9:30 p.m. Oregon State Police were contacted by Columbia County Dispatch Center about a person reporting to have had their vehicle stolen from the parking lot area of Collins Beach on Sauvie Island. There was no telephone number obtained by Columbia County Dispatch Center as the phone was a “911 only” phone. Astoria trooper responded to the area, arriving much later, only to find no one in the area. There were no further reports to Columbia County Dispatch or to OSP Dispatch about the stolen vehicle. Aug. 9 • At approximately 3:30 a.m. OSP attempted to contacted a female suspected of being involved in drug activity in the back parking lot of the northbound French Prairie rest area. As the trooper shined a flashlight in vehicle and the female took off in her vehicle driving recklessly through the rest area and on I-5. The trooper did not pursue the vehicle, but did radio information to surrounding counties. OSP was late advised by ODOT that they had observed a vehicle abandoned northbound I-5 near MP 296 blocking the right lane on CCTV. ODOT suspected it was vehicle from rest area.
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OSP located the vehicle still blocking, abandoned and it was the same vehicle from the rest area. The vehicle was removed by Day N Nite Towing. • At approximately 8:41 p.m. OSP Troopers were advised of a two-vehicle crash near milepost 26 on Highway 30. A Gray SUV heading westbound was witnessed driving recklessly before rear ending a red SUV on Highway 30. The driver of the Gray SUV was transported to the Hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the gray SUV showed numerous indicators of impairment while en route to and at the Hospital, but was unable to be interviewed. Both vehicles were towed from the scene due to damage. Investigation is ongoing. St. Helens Police July 22 • Officers arrest a 27-year-old male in the 500 block of S. Columbia River Highway for violation of a restraining order July 23 • Officers arrested a 69-yearold male in the 500 block of Milton Way for trespassing and probation violation. • A 38-year-old male was arrested by police near 2nd Street for an outstanding felony warrant. July 25 • Police investigated a stolen vehicle incident at the 35000 block of Oakwood Drive. • Police arrested a 20-year-old female near the intersection of Highway 30 and Pittsburg Road for an outstanding felony warrant. • Officers arrested a 20-yearold female near the intersection of Highway 30 and Pittsburg Road for providing false information and for an outstanding felony warrant. July 26 • Police arrested a 26-year-old female near the 58000 block of Columbia River Highway for multiple outstanding warrants. • A 25-year-old male was arrested by officers in the 200 block of Strand Street for a felony warrant. • Officers arrested A 22-yearold male in the 200 block of Strand Street for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. • Police arrested a 33-year-old male for disorderly conduct and probation violation near the 2000 block of Gable Road. Scappoose Police Aug. 2 • Police were dispatched to a suspicious circumstance in the 51000 block of SW 6th Street. Following the investigation, a 47-year-old male was taken into custody on an outstanding felony warrant out of Clackamas County Circuit Court and was transported to jail and lodged on his charges. • Police responded to the report of an attempted theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the 33000 block of SE Santosh Street. The owner reported that the unknown suspect attempted to cut the catalytic converted off of a vehicle but did not succeed. This case is pending further suspect information. Aug. 4 • Police were dispatched to the
report of a theft in the 33000 block of SW Havlik Drive. It was reported that while a tenant was moving in, they had left two boxes of items on the front porch. Those boxes were taken by unknown suspects. This case is pending further investigation and suspect identification. Police took a report of a missing person in the 33000 block of SE Frederick St. The missing person returned home on August 5. This case is closed. Aug. 5 • Police responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash in the 33000 block of SE Uhlman Street. It was reported that the driver had driven his car into the victim’s vehicle parked in their driveway, which in turn pushed the vehicles into the house causing extensive damage. Following the investigation a 44-year-old male from Scappoose was cited for careless driving. • Police were dispatched to the report of a theft in progress at Fred Meyer. It was reported that the 38-year-old male suspect from Portland was seen putting items in a bag and then trying to return the items for cash. When the suspect was denied the transaction, he left with the items. Fred Meyer loss prevention employees escorted the suspect back to their office until law enforcement could arrive. During the investigation, it was discovered that suspect had two outstanding felony warrants from Washington County. The suspect was transported to jail, lodged on his warrants and issued a citation for Theft III. • Police took a report of a theft in the 52000 block of NE 1st Street. It was reported that an unknown suspect entered the victims vehicle and stole his dash camera. This case is pending suspect identification. • Police were dispatched to the report of a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of Columbia River Hwy. and Scappoose-Vernonia Hwy. No injuries were reported and one driver received a citation for Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance and Failure to Carry Vehicle Registration. • Police responded to the report of a suspicious circumstance in the 34000 block of N.Honeyman Road. It was reported that a person at the location was harassing another and trying to pick a fight. Following the investigation, a 38-year-old houseless man was taken into custody for Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. The man was transported to jail, booked and released on his charges. • Police were dispatched to the report of a theft in the 51000 block of SE 2nd St. It was reported that the unknown suspects attempted to steal a catalytic converter off of a vehicle. The suspects cut the converter off and then left it on the ground. This case is pending further investigation and suspect identification through camera footage at the location. The Rainier Police and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office reports were unavailable at press time.
•C ommunity E vents • •
• Aug. 15 Community Celebration A community celebration honoring the Clatskanie Middle/High School girls softball and girls basketball teams will include a free hot dog lunch that begins at 2 p.m. at the gazebo at Clatskanie City Park. For more information, call 503-791-1882.
(chicken, salmon, flank steak) to Linda Ward 22424 Swedetown Road Clatskanie 97016. For more info call Jack Minzey at 503-4773631, or Cindy Wolf, at 360-6732823. • Aug. 21 Clatskanie Garlic Festival The Clatskanie Farmers Market is hosting its annual Garlic Festival on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cope’s Park across from the Library in the oxbow of the Clatskanie River. For more information, contact Darro Breshears-Routon at 971-506-7432.
• Aug. 20-21 Class Reunion Clatskanie Class of 1966, together with classes 1965 and 1967, are celebrating their 55th reunion Aug. 20 and 21. Casual get together at 4 p.m. Aug. 20 at Colvins. Aug. 21 dinner at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, • Aug. 28 Household Hazardincluding live music, 4 to 10 p.m. ous Waste Collection $55 per person. Please send Columbia County Household your check and dinner choice Hazardous Waste Collection 8 Columbia County’s trusted local news source
a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Columbia County Transfer Station, 1601 Railroad Avenue in St. Helens. For more details, email Kathy Boutin-Pasterz at Kathleen. Boutin-Pasterz@columbiacountyor.gov or call her at 503-3977259. • Sept. 6 Big Band in the Park The Clatskanie Arts Commission is celebrating the return of its Performing Arts Series with Big Band in the Park Concert Labor Day, in the Clatskanie City Park. See more and view the performing arts scheduled with this story at thechiefnews.com. Brochures and tickets for this year’s Performing Arts Series will be available at the park, online at clatskaniearts. org or by calling 503-728-3403.
Friday, August 13, 2021
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•V iewpoints • •
Navigating through the pandemic PAUL VOGEL Chief Guest Article
We’ve seen this movie before, let’s script a better ending. A killer virus sweeps across the country, like nothing we’ve experienced for more than a century. We must learn about it on the fly; there are no vaccines and no known cures. There’s no choice but to shut everything down and quarantine in our homes. Only essential workers punch the clock each day and hours get very long for the relative few who can, or must, show up and keep basic services – like hospitals running. Economic crisis mounts What’s even more disorienting today is that the sequel to that movie started before the first one ended. The virus is still here but now there are vaccines; we know how to stop it. Anyone who wants them has FREE access except the youngest (and most resilient). The plot thickens: people aren’t getting the vaccines and the virus is mutating – more aggressively infectious and even sickening some who’ve had their shots – or the virus. Just last week, Oregon reported 7,196 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, and 31 more deaths. Columbia County alone reported 82 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases. We were just leaving the theatre thinking the movie was ending, but it’s becoming a double feature because we haven’t wiped out the virus. We haven’t adequately protected our society by inoculating enough people to keep it at bay or cause it to fizzle out.
Economic disruption begins anew. People are frustrated, scared or dismissive, a horrendous combination. Just last week the Washington Post ran this insightful piece: The delta variant arrived at just the right time to break our spirits. Side effects of the pandemic are in full play. Resistance to getting inoculated. Resistance to protecting ourselves, our families, our co-workers. Even just plain uncertainty and indecision are creating a paralysis of progress with the vaccine that’s as debilitating as the virus itself. Last year’s scenes Last year’s scenes were bad: Businesses were shut tight; bills couldn’t be paid. Family and friends isolated, hundreds of thousands dying alone. Entire factories shut down by outbreaks, manufacturing and supply chains interrupted or broken. Health systems and hospitals overloaded to the breaking point. Mandatory masking that nobody likes though scientifically makes a difference. Oregonians were so focused on when the mask mandate would be lifted, they didn’t give thought to whether that requirement might come back. Maybe we all got a little lazy, or numb. But the need for masks is back, indoors at least, and that’s a movie scene that foreshadows more bad things happening. We’re going backwards. What happened? Just like in a movie, the sun rose the next day. Vaccines were developed at record pace. People got protected and fewer were getting sick and dying. Businesses re-opened. The arguments over whether to mask seem to diffuse even if they
still confused. We got better. But we didn’t get well. Not by a long shot. Now the virus is mutating. There’s delta and lambda, and more and more people are getting sick; not surprisingly -- the unvaccinated. Of concern, some who’ve been vaccinated are getting sick too, so booster shots are almost certainly on the horizon. More disruption, resistance, and indecision. There are some serious reasons for concern about this acknowledged and predictable new wave. Some are global in scope; others are local and there are actions in play to help address them. Hospital impact The new variant is starting to max hospitals to the breaking point. Let’s all remind ourselves: we don’t have a hospital here. If those in our “region” -- which means the Portland area -- get overloaded – our families, our friends, ourselves…. where do we go? Health care workers are quitting in droves. We’ve run them into the ground over the past year… and yet we refuse to help ourselves avoid having to go to the hospital. Would you stay and work? Hospital-less Columbia County is in trouble if “our” hospitals start turning people away. What we need to do: stay healthy. Coming in the Aug. 20 edition of The Chief, what Columbia County businesses can do to move forward. Paul Vogel is the executive director of the Columbia County Economic Team. He may be reached at 503-4101061.
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Last Week’s Results
Do you believe our summer heat waves are caused by climate change?
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52% No
Vote online at thechiefnews.com
The Chief
The Chief (USPS 116-360) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051 Editorial policy Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chief views and are solely those of the writers expressing them. Letters policy This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters containing details presented as
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•C latskanie G rows • •
Clatskanie Grows: Heat blast mitigation CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Article
It will be interesting to see the plant response to this week’s heat blast. There are several mitigating factors that may reduce damage. Temperatures will be a bit lower than the heat nightmare at the end of June. Additionally, day-length is considerably shorter now which should help. We probably will see more sunburned apples, possibly more bark damage, and some loss of tomato and green bean flowers. Corn maturity will accelerate, and the squash family loves this weather, assuming they both have plenty of water. Another reminder is in order about how little moisture there is in our soils. Keep woody plants that you really value watered. Blackberry and raspberry canes that are done fruiting can be removed and the new “primocanes” can be tied up to the trellis. There is still time to plant a fall/winter vegetable garden. It is also a good time to prep the area where you will plant garlic in late September to early October. It is still unclear how many yellow jacket and bald-faced hornet nests are active. Calls to the office are picking up but still seem lower than normal. My vaunted ability to predict whether it would be a high or low year based on spring rainfall is in question. I bet on low despite some early warm days (good for yellow jacket queens) but followed by some cool, moist though
not really rainy days (maybe not so good for the queens). There is an offchance that nest starting was delayed until mid-June and fall hunting season could be lousy with yellow jackets. Slugs have been nonactors for the last several months. They aren’t gone but are hunkered deep in protected places including soil cracks and under anything marginally moist. I haven’t missed them. Aphids are showing up in droves on kale and other cabbage family plants. Control is a challenge but washing them off in the garden and also in the kitchen makes the crops edible. Where are the lady beetles? There seem to be an abundance of chipmunks this year. Usually, food abundance the previous year (or a decline in predation) helps to predict numbers. But neither factor seemed to be different than normal last year. It was a mild winter and perhaps breeding started early and often.
The flea talk
• There are dog, cat, rodent, human, and other species that fleas use for blood draws. We tend to have mostly dog and cat fleas. • Fleas start breeding after their first blood meal.
• A fertile female lays 10-20 eggs per day. The eggs drop from the pet, particularly where the pet sleeps. The time from hatching to adult can be as short as two weeks up to several months or even more. Most fleas live for several months. • Flea populations consist of roughly 50% eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae, and 5% adults. Of course, only adult fleas need your blood. • Under ideal conditions, 10 female fleas can produce over a quarter of a million flea eggs/larvae/ adults. When they are on a roll,
to show that fleas could be kept alive for over 15 years without food. • Fleas can transmit tapeworms, bubonic plague, and other maladies. No word on COVID but it is very unlikely for a variety of reasons. • Many pets (and humans) are intensely allergic to flea saliva. • To get rid of fleas, you must: • Vacuum inside persistently and vigorously to suck up the wiggly flea larva. • Spray methoprene, an insect growth regulator that keep the larva from ever be-
Clatskanie Grows watch out. • Flea larva are tiny and wormlike. They feed mostly on the feces of their flea parents which is largely composed of partially digested blood. But almost any organic matter will do. Yummy. • Once an adult flea attaches to your cat or dog for blood, they mostly stay with the animal. • Fleas can go into suspended animation and can live for a year or considerably more without any of that delicious blood. In fact, there was a German experiment in the early 20th century that seemed
•
coming adult fleas. The larva die of boredom (perhaps). It is slow to take effect since it doesn’t effectively kill adult fleas. You can find some aerosol mixes that have both adult knock down capability and then methoprene, which works more slowly. • Treat the pet. That is where most of the fleas reside. Insecticides that move from a drop on the back (imidacloprid and others) through the animal have revolutionized flea control. Talk to your veterinarian about options. • Outside lawn flea treatments are the last choice in
and baseball cards. He was a well-known member of the community and would often be seen at the Cornerstone, the Senior Center and Rainier High School football games. Carl is survived by his siblings, Roxanne (Lonny) Hadlock, Steve (Joanne) Pellham, and Bill (Colleen) Pellham; four nieces; one nephew; four great nieces; and three great nephews. Carl’s parents passed away in 2020 and the family was unable to honor their passing. Please join the family in the celebration of life for Carl and his parents at 11:30 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 21, 2021 at the Rainier High School auditorium followed by a Military send off for Carl at the Green Mountain Cemetery on Larson Road.
Clatskanie Swimming Pool Schedule 2021 503-728-2757, csp@cni.net
Monday
6:00AM – 7:00AM 7:00AM – 8:00AM 8:00AM – 8:45AM 1:00PM
Lap Swim Water Exercise Advanced Water Exercise & Pool Walking Closed for Maintenance
Tuesday- Thursday
6:00AM – 7:00AM 7:00AM – 8:00AM 8:00AM – 8:45AM
Lap Swim Water Exercise Advanced Water Exercise & Pool Walking
10:45AM – 4:30PM 4:30PM – 5:30PM 5:30PM – 6:30PM 6:30PM – 9:00PM
Open Swim (Main Pool & Splashpad) Water Exercise & Pool Walking Lap Swim Open Swim (Main Pool & Splashpad)
Fridays
6:00AM – 7:00AM 7:00AM – 8:00AM 8:00AM – 9:00AM 9:00AM – 10:30AM 10:45AM – 4:30PM 4:30PM – 5:30PM 5:30PM – 6:30PM 6:30PM – 7:00PM 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Lap Swim Water Exercise Advanced Water Exercise & Pool Walking Staff In-service (Splash pad and Pool closed to the public) Open Swim (Main Pool & Splashpad) Water Exercise & Pool Walking Lap Swim Closed for cleaning Open Swim (Main Pool & Splashpad)
Saturday’s & Sunday’s (Effective August 21st) 4:30PM – 7PM
Important notes Plant an extra for the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. Cash do-nations to buy food are also greatly appreciated. The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened. Masks still required inside. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Have questions? If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in
Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at extension.oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring. Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County Address: 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 Telephone: 503-3973462.
Kenneth Hagen
Jan. 7, 1950 ~ July 14, 2021
ington for 25 years before retiring on the Pellham Hills. During his retirement he was a board member of the Rainier Historical Society where he contributed to the collection of Rainier High School Football History. He had a passion for collecting depression glass
terms of effectiveness. Cat fleas don’t overwinter well outside, dog fleas do a little better.
•O bituaries • •
Carl Lee Pellham
Carl Lee Pellham passed away on July 14, 2021. He was born in Vancouver, Washington to Carl and Gwen Pellham on Jan. 7, 1950. He attended grade school in Quincy where he graduated from the 8th grade and then went on to Clatskanie High School as a freshman and sophomore before the family moved to Rainier where Carl played varsity football and was voted in as President of his Senior class. He graduated from Rainier High School in 1968. He enlisted in the Navy and served our country for eight years with multiple tours in the South Pacific. After he left the service, he worked for NORPAC paper mill in Longview, Wash-
Open Swim (Main Pool & Splash Pad)
Dec. 26, 1964 ~ Aug. 7, 2021 Kenneth “Ken” N. Hagen of Clatskanie, Oregon went home to be with Jesus on Aug. 7, 2021, at the age of 56. Ken was born to Jerome and Jeanne Hagen on Dec. 26, 1964. He attended Rainier High School. He loved Jesus, camping, and spending his days at the beach. Ken and Kim Abbott Hagen had 11 children that were loved by their father dearly. He is survived by his sons, Benjamin (Brandy), Joel (Patricia), Luke, Josh,
PLANT From Page A1
grateful” to state Rep. Brad Witt and especially, state Sen. Betsy Johnson for their support of the funding. “If it were not for the efforts of Senator Johnson, this funding would never have happened,” Brajcich said. “The City, and future generations of the citizens of Clatskanie who will benefit from this plant, owe Senator Johnson their thanks. Somehow, it seems, a simple ‘Thank You’ is not enough.” Hinkelman said the City of Clatskanie also wants to thank North Coast Regional Solutions Coordinator Jennifer Purcell and Business Oregon Regional Director Melanie Olsen for their help and guidance with the initial phases of exploring funding for the plant and the community development block grant. “The city will now move forward with the project pending release of all the funding criteria and once in hand, can generate a time table of design and construction,” Hinkelman said. Rainier’s benefit Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said the city has been actively seeking funding for a feasibility study to resolve the ongoing issues involving Fox Creek.
and Matthew; daughters, Sarah (Riley), Hannah, “A portion of Fox Creek currently runs underneath a combination of public and private property, between Highway 30 and C Street here in Rainier,” Jorgensen wrote in a letter of support that he submitted for the funding request. “The culverts on either side of this portion are of differing sizes, and this has caused a series of issues pertaining to flooding. Additionally, it has complicated the ability of fish to pass from the Columbia River upstream to the portion of Fox Creek beyond C Street.” State Rep. Witt agreed on the importance of funding the feasibility study and advocated for the funding for Rainier. HB 5006 passed out of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means June 24 on a unanimous, bipartisan 22-0 vote. It then passed out of the Oregon House of Representatives June 26 on a 55-0 vote and the Senate the same day on a 24-3 vote. Witt said he was pleased that he was able to help the city with the funding request. “This is a longstanding need that we were able to fulfill with assistance from the federal government,” Witt said. Sen. Betsy Johnson also partnered with Witt for the Rainier funding. “I’m glad that Representative Witt and I were able to work collaboratively to make sure we covered all corners of the district with ARPA money,” Johnson said.
Rachel, Mary, Rebekah, and Bethany. He was also loved by his nine grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brother David Klinke and sisters, Penny KlinkeOlson, Pamela HagenFrench, and Karen Hagen Bracken. Ken was preceded in death by his parents Jerome and Jeanne Hagen and brothers Bruce Klinke and William Klinke. Flowers may be sent to Alston’s Corner Assembly of God, 25272 Alston Rd, Rainier, OR 97048.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Heavy equipment was brought in in 2016 to begin repair work at Fox Creek to ease the flooding threat.
Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said he appreciates the efforts of the city’s legislative delegation to address the Fox Creek issue. “Thanks to Representative Witt and Senator Johnson, the city will be able to start working on resolving some of these issues,” Cole said. “It’s long been a priority for the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and we look forward to getting started on this.” In an effort not to compromise the upcoming bid process for the project, city officials said they could not reveal the specific amount of state funding Rainier would receive. “We believe this funding will be adequate to get the job done,” Jorgersen said.
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Friday, August 13, 2021
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Paul’s Tree Service Inc. No bush too small, no tree to tall- Call Paul! Specialized in danger trees, take downs, storm clean-up. Time to prune- pruning Lace Leafed Maples & ornamental shrubberies, chipping, senior or veterans discount, free estimates. CCB# 217173 Lic., Bonded & Insured. 503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274
time Dispatchers (Communications Specialists). Additional information and job description can be found on our website at www.columbia911. com/careers or by calling 503366-6978. Online applications will be accepted until 11:45pm on August 30th, 2021.
IMMEDIATE OPENING St. Helens Chronicle and Clatskanie Chief, has an opening for a general assignment reporter in Columbia County. Primarily responsible for writing day-to-day news stories for the two weekly newspapers and accompanying websites. Reports to the publisher. The successful applicant will produce content featuring local businesses, government, schools, and community events. Country Media, Inc. offers highly competitive newsroom wages and a variety of employee benefits,
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Assessment Clerk 1 Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 8/31/2021 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov Corrections Technician Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 8/20/2021. Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov
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Public Notices
CC21-1503
CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT MEETING NOTICE The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors has scheduled the next regular Board meeting for Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 6:00 pm in the community room of the District’s administration building located at 495 E Columbia River Highway,
Clatskanie. A Board Workshop will be held at 5:30 pm. An executive session may be called at the workshop and/or meeting, pursuant to: ORS 192.660 (2) (f) information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection. AGENDA CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S
UTILITY DISTRICT BOARD WORKSHOP on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 5:30 P.M. I. NW RIVERPARTNERS PRESENTATION: Kurt Miller, Executive Director II. POLICY REVIEW: #106 Lighting Policy III. STAFF REPORTS UPDATE CLATSKANIE
PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. I. RATE CHANGE SUMMARY PRESENTATION & PUBLIC HEARING: Paul Dockery, Power Manager II. PUBLIC COMMENTS III. CONSENT AGENDA ·
CC21-1502
Minutes of Board Workshop, July 21, 2021 · Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, July 21, 2021 · Review payment of bills for July 2021 IV. ACTION ITEMS · Policy Review: New District Operations Policy 320 Information Security Policy, EH Policy 516 Computer and Email
Usage, 111 Review of Annexation Petitions, and 304 Vehicle Replacement Policy · Clatskanie Bank Stabilization Project V. DISCUSSION / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS · Board Comments & Calendar VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION VII. ADJOURNMENT
CC21-1497
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE Clatskanie Park & Recreation OCUNTY OF COLUMBIA CLAY W. BROWN, Petitioner, and YVONNE D. District NOTICE OF REGULAR DEITERING, Respondent. No. 12-3343 SUMMONS To: CLAY W. BROWN BOARD MEETING You are hereby required to appear and defend the order to show cause filed against you in the above-entitled action within THIRTY (30) DAYS of the date of service of this summons upon you, and, in case of your failure to do so, for want thereof, respondent will apply to the court for the relief demanded in the order to show cause. NOTICE TO
THE PETITIONER: READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY! You must “appear” in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer.” The “motion” or “answer” must be given to the court clerk or administrator within THIRTY (30) DAYS of the date of first
•
publication specified herein, along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the respondent’s attorney or, if the respondent does not have an attorney, proof of service upon the respondent. The date of first publication of this summons is August 13, 2021. If you have any questions, you should see an attorney
immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at (503) 684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 1-800-4527636. Stephen D. Petersen, OSB #73235, Attorney for Respondent. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, (503) 556-4120.
The regular meeting of the Clatskanie Park & Recreation District will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 6:00pm at 555 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie, OR, Port of Columbia County
Offices (the Old Middle School) Items on the agenda include but are not limited to: General Park maintenance and pool operation update(s). Board Chair, Andrew Mustola
The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FOOTBALL ACROSS 1. *Sports analyst, ex-wide receiver Randy 5. Dashboard acronym 8. *Depth of an end zone, in yards 11. Fencing blade 12. Weight not charged for 13. Young hog 15. Witnessed 16. Aroma 17. Nary a soul 18. *Line of ____ 20. Spanish earthen pot 21. Pinocchio and the like 22. Bean house 23. Antonym of descent 26. Cycle taxi 30. Greek “t” 31. 50-50 34. Not happening 35. Newbies 37. Bert Bobbsey’s twin 38. Like a neon sign 39. “Clueless” catch phrase 40. Not a desktop 42. Metal-bearing mineral 43. “Chim Chim Cher-ee” setting 45. Relating to nose
47. Actors’ group 48. Sink hole 50. Golf club handle 52. *3-point score 56. Make a canyon, e.g. 57. Not written 58. Racing sled 59. *”Purple People ____” song, inspiration for Vikings defensive line name 60. Like H. C. Andersen’s duckling 61. Poet Pound 62. *AFC counterpart 63. Dreaming stage of sleep 64. Daytime entertainment
DOWN
1. Hodgepodge 2. Oil cartel 3. Palm reader, e.g. 4. Old and mentally infirm 5. Weather-related Doppler tool 6. Programs, for short 7. Insignificant 8. Hammer or sickle 9. Europe’s highest volcano 10. Born, in bio 12. Marinara fruit 13. Ornamental hair net
14. *Grabbing penalty 19. Breath freshener 22. *Pre-game encouragement 23. Rose oil 24. One’s assertion 25. Collectible in a cabinet 26. *Fourth down option 27. Colonoscopy tract 28. Ancient assembly area 29. B in IBS 32. *Start of a football play 33. Goo on a trunk 36. *Scrimmage-related penalty 38. Plant louse 40. Yule firewood 41. By word of mouth 44. Candle shape 46. English in Spanish 48. Mourner’s song 49. Camelot, to Arthur 50. Tennis great Steffi 51. College officer-training prog. 52. *Number of downs to get a first down 53. Anis-flavored aperitif 54. Site of Taj Mahal 55. *Lambeau Field jump 56. Poetic “even”
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chief.
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Friday, August 13, 2021
A7
School board opposes school mask mandate JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Rainier School Board has sent a letter to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown voicing disappointment and concern about Brown’s directive ordering all K-12 children to wear face coverings while attending classes in the new school year ahead. In the letter, the school board said its priority has been, and continues to be to have students in school for face-to-face instruction for the entire school year. “We also understand that mask wearing is one of many mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19,” the board members wrote, adding that they were disappointed and frustrated with Brown’s announcement July 29 of the in-class face covering mandate.
The board members said the district has spent a summer planning for a return to in-person without the mandate of masks and that the schools would follow the CDC (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) recommendations which strongly recommends but not requires mask-wearing. “This unilateral decision, with no advance warning or opportunity for feedback, instantly removed the ability for communities to make decisions based on what is best for our community,” the board members stated. “Our students want to be in school but the mask mandate will eliminate the ability for some of our students to access their free and appropriate public education.” Asking for no mandates The school board members said they will uphold their
Courtesy photo
Gov. Kate Brown said the rule to have all K-12 students wear face coverings while attending classes is necessary for the protection of all students, staff and school visitors. The Rainier School Board says the rule takes away local control.
oath of office but they are making a specific request to Gov. Brown. “We are respectfully asking that mandates not be placed on school districts that remove local control and do not permit us to lead the communities for which we serve,”
the board members stated. The Rainier School Board approved the letter and dispatched it to Gov. Brown’s office Aug. 9. On Aug. 6, Rainier School Superintendent Joesph Hattrick sent a letter district parents telling them that the Oregon Depart-
ment of Education (ODE) on July 22 released an updated Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) Resiliency Framework for the 2021-22 school year. Hattrick wrote that the RSSL provided districts with local control over mask requirements while stating that masks were “strongly advised” for all staff and students in kindergarten and up. “That local control was removed with Governor Brown’s announcement of a statewide mask mandate and the additional requirement that all Oregon school districts would be required to enforce the indoor mask mandate effective August 12, 2021,” Hattrick said in the letter to parents. “The district feels the same frustration with these changing rules that the Rainier community feels.” Hattrick said in his letter to parents that the district’s commitment is to adhere to its plan to return all of Rainier’s students to school, in-person, for full day learning. “This goal extends to full access to a regular sports rollout for all seasons, full access to all of the other important extra-curricular activities, and learning opportunities that our Rainier students find so important to their overall learning experience,” he wrote.
MASKS
From Page A1
In an online poll conducted by The Chief, 47.8% of those responding said they believe the state and federal government should mandate COVID-19 vaccinations to help slow the surging cases, 52.2% of the responders opposed the government vaccine mandate. Mask Mandate Fact Sheet Brown’s office release the following Mask Mandate Fact Sheet. The goal of indoor mask requirement is to limit the spread of the Delta variant as much as possible indoors, where COVID-19 spreads more easily. The requirement works in combination with efforts to encourage more Oregonians to become fully vaccinated. • The emphasis of indoor mask requirement is on personal responsibility - we are asking Oregonians to make a commitment to protect those around you by wearing a mask. We are also asking Oregonians to be kind and considerate of others and to treat store employees and others with respect: they are asking you to wear a mask to save lives.
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Potential penalties Hattrick also cite in his letter the potential penalties he, the school board and the school district could face if they do not comply with the ODE and state requirements. “A school that violates OAR 333-019-1015 is subject to a civil penalty of $500 per day per incident (This could be up to $500,000 at RSD if no masks were worn ($500 x 1000 individuals on campus in a given day)). Districts are still awaiting a final rule on what is constituted by an “incident.” Hattrick told parents that when the state’s mandates are announced, the focus of community anger gets misdirected to school boards and superintendents. “Our goal is to provide transparent information so those interested can provide feedback to the Governor and Oregon Lawmakers should they choose,” he said. “The Rainier School District is committed to supporting our learning community, our students, staff, and community while we communicate the truth about the mandates. We share in the disappointment of our community and will continue to advocate for our district at the state level while protecting the district by following such mandates that are outside of local control.” • Applies to adults and children older than 5. On public transit, also includes children older than 2. This aligns with Multnomah County mask requirements. • Applies broadly to people in all indoor public spaces. (Masks are still strongly encouraged in crowded outdoor situations.) • Common sense exemptions apply for activities that would be impractical or impossible wearing a mask, for example: eating and drinking; swimming and organized, competitive sports; performances involving singing or speaking in public. • In these cases, OHA recommends strongly that participants be fully vaccinated if eligible. • Similar to exemptions in recently-adopted mask requirements in Nevada,Louisiana, and Washington, DC. • Oregon OSHA will have a role in enforcement for employers and employees, with an education-first approach: OSHA will work with employers who are making an effort to comply and won’t conduct inspections or issue fines immediately as businesses implement masking protocols, including the necessary signage. Follow developments at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
•C rossword S olutions • •
Solution for the August 6, 2021 crossword puzzle
Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
Community Action Team
Are you a veteran?
Let us know what YOU think
EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: CHIEFNEWS@COUNTRYMEDIA.NET
You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.
Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org
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A8
Friday, August 13, 2021
AUGUST 17
CELEBRATE NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY Charitable nonprofits embody the best of America, according to the National Council of Nonprofits. Nonprofits provide a way for people to work together for the common good, transforming shared beliefs and hopes into action and nonprofits give shape to our boldest dreams, highest ideals, and noblest causes, the Council states at its website. In this special presentation, The Chronicle and our advertising partners recognize and pay tribute to our area nonprofits, their staff and volunteers who help those in need. It can be a difficult and challenging journey, but the nonprofits work to
find the path leading to solutions. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, America’s 1.3 million charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture people of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond. They foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth, and strengthen the fabric of our communities. Every single day. We encourage our readers to seek out and offer consistent support, financially or as a volunteer, to the local nonprofits of their choice.
United Way of Columbia County We love all of our donors and sponsors.
Clatskanie Arts Commission, 2021-22 Season Big Band in the Park: Monday, September 6, 2-4 in City Park - Free Fernhill Bluegrass Band with the Bloomer Family: Sunday, September 19, 3 p.m. www.fernhillbluegrass.com Fern Hill approaches its bluegrass music in the style of the classic bands of the 1950’s. Violinist Aaron Meyers: Saturday, October 2, 7:30 p.m. www.aaronmeyer.com Aaron immediately engages his fans, displaying an affinity for the violin in a seemingly effortless mastery of the instrument. Men of Worth Celtic Christmas: Sunday, December 12, 3 p.m. www.menofworth.com In 1986, Scotsman Donnie Macdonald and Irishman James Keigher came together to
perform Irish and Scottish folk music, combining traditional and contemporary styles. They will be joined by Kevin Carr on fiddle/ pipes and Maureen Brennan on harp. Kelsey Wilson O’Brien will be their dancer. Sundae and Mr. Goessl, Sunday, March 20, 3 p.m. sundaeandmrgoessl.com “Sundae + Mr. Goessl are storming the country with their delightful brand of countrified jazz, melding the likability of Americana, pop and country music. Karen Carpenter Tribute Band: Sunday, April 3, 3 p.m. rebeccahardiman.com/karencarpenter-tribute-band “When you close your eyes and listen to the Karen Carpenter Tribute Band it’s as if you were in the presence of Karen Carpenter!”
Pianist Sarah Hagan: Sunday, May 22, 3 p.m. sarahhagen.com Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen has performed in concert halls and has been heard on broadcasts throughout North America and Europe. Awarded as Ontario Contact’s 2017 Artist of the Year and the British Columbia Performances will be held at the Birkenfeld Theatre in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 S. Nehalem, Clatskanie, Oregon. Brochures and tickets for this year’s Performing Arts Series will be available at the park on Labor Day, online at clatskaniearts.org or by calling 503-728-3403. Tickets held from the COVID canceled programs will be honored but must be exchanged for the same performance at least a week before the new performance date. Please call 503-728-3403.
Ve ry great change starts f rom very small conversations, he l d among people who care. Mar gar et J Wheatl ey
Thank you for being the glue in our community!
www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com
Tha nk you, to a l l o f o u r C o n n e c t o r s t h a t a re s h a r i n g t h e i r s t o r y. w w w. C onne c t S H . or g
RAINIER OREGON HISTORICAL MUSEUM (ROHM)
106 W. B St, Rainier, Oregon 97048, Located inside Rainier City Hall on the 3rd fl. Open every Saturday from noon until 4 pm, except major holiday weekends. Website: Rainiermuseum.org Email: rainiermuseum@hotmail.com Our museum is working hard to raise money to build a new museum, please help us by sending a donation to ROHM, PO Box 762, Rainier OR 97048. Note on check; in care of the museum building fund. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
www.thechiefnews.com
Friday, August 13, 2021
A9
AUGUST 17
CELEBRATE NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY Marketing at your fingertips
Vehicle Wash Program
Google ads Print Web Mobile
Earn $300 for your nonprofit group crpud.net/wash
Opening for tours Friday - Sunday: 1-5pm, $5 Adults $ Children Friday Tea and Sweets: 2-4pm, $5 Harvest Festival: September 26th, 12-5pm Book us for Weddings, Events, and Holiday Parties
Contact Amy at 503-397-0116
1925 First Street, Columbia City • www.capleshouse.com 503-397-5390 • capleshouse@comcast.net
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a national grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with mental illness as well as individuals and families whose loved ones face the challenges of mental illness.
The Columbia County Cultural Coalition honors Darrel Whipple, who served the CCCC from its founding and was for many years its Chair. Darrel has been selfless in his leadership and in his service to Columbia County. The CCCC Board Members offer him their love and thanks. For further information about the CCCC and its activities, see our website: http://columbiacultural.org.
Kelly Miller
Donations direct to NAMI Oregon to support NAMI Columbia County Please send to: 4701 SE 24th Ave. Suite E, Portland, OR 97202
A non-audition community chorus You are invited to join the choir! Alice Boyer Artistic Director, Robert Fishel, Accompanist River City Singers
Food boxes:
Lynnda Fuller. Director, Robin Nunn, Accompanist River City Singers Children’s Choir
Mon Tue & Thur from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Thrift Store:
Mon Tue & Thur from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Executive Director 220 E. Columbia River Hwy PO Box 773, Clatskanie, OR 97016 turning3point@gmail.com www.clatskanieturningpoint.org Phone: 503-728-3126 Fax: 503-728-5182
Oregon. Providing support online is a viable way to go when transportation and COVID challenges are issues. Online resources create an opportunity to interact with others and be in the safety of your own environment. If there is a topic one would like to have support with for self and others, contact NAMI Oregon. If you have been wanting to try a virtual support meeting, please do so! NAMI Oregon will assist you in finding resources for education, support, and advocacy. To find out current details for NAMI Columbia County support group, please contact NAMI Oregon at www.namior. org or call 503.230.8009. www.facebook.com/ Columbia County NAMI.
The River City Singers
Turning Point Community Service Center To assist members of our community with a helping hand
NAMI Columbia County support group focuses on self-care of individuals and families whose lives are affected by mental illness of a loved one. There is no denying that isolation and lack social interactions have taken a toll on all of us. Our support group has managed to stay in touch and has resumed our in-person support group in accordance with COVID guidelines. As we are not sure what the coming months will bring related to COVID, we would like to encourage folks to prepare for ways to stay connected with people and activities that offer support for your well-being. NAMI Oregon online support groups are happening for individuals and families all over
Currently accepting Holiday food box donations Please call for the list
A m a n i
We’ll be rehearsing and performing again as soon as we can. Plans are ongoing for upcoming concerts and special projects. Contact Marilyn at (503) 396-0939 or rccclynnda@gmail.com
C e n t e r
Hay Day Dinner & Hullabaloo Join us at Grabhorn Farm (Scappoose, OR) for an evening benefiting the Amani Center, and help child victims of abuse & neglect toward hope, healing and recovery. Saturday, September 18th
➢ Car & Tractor Show: 4-6pm ➢ Fun & Games: Start at 4:30pm ➢ Dinner: 6:30pm
Grab your boots, a cool ride and check out what awaits you in a down-home country atmosphere.
➢ BBQ & Beverages ➢ Car & Tractor Show ➢ Silent Auction ➢ Farm-themed Games ➢ Raffles ➢ Live Music & Dancing
For more info or to purchase tickets
Ticket price: $25 each. Go to www.amanicenter.org and click on “Hullabaloo Tickets - Sept. 18, 2021.”
Giving a voice to child victims of crime and abuse... ...Will you join us? Donate ~ Volunteer ~ Advocate
• Safe Community • Accessible Justice • Happy & Healthy Kids
Phone: 503-366-4005 • Email: info@amanicenter.org • Website: www.amanicenter.org Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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A10
Friday, August 13, 2021
Kiwanis members donate time and energy to worthwhile community activities. You can help your community by volunteering or becoming a member.
Every year Kiwanis Club of St. Helens contributes thousands of dollars to needy children and families throughout Columbia County.
To find out how you can help, contact any St. Helens Kiwanis member or email: sthelenskiwanisclub@gmail.com
Make Makeaalasting lasting Make Make a lastingthe difference differencein in the difference in the life difference life ofofaafoster child life foster child of a foster child in life of a foster child inin Columbia Columbia Columbia in ColumbiaCounty. County. Volunteer. Volunteer. County. Volunteer. County. Volunteer.
casahelpskids.org (503) ( ( ) )410-5043 The St. Helens Lions Club • Emergency food assistance • Firewood • Energy assistance • Backpack program • Holiday baskets • Referrals
We offer heartfelt thanks to the community
for its support of our many service projects and charitable programs,
and to the many businesses that support
Kelly Miller Executive Director Monetary donations welcomed: P.O. Box 448 Rainier, OR 97048 Food Bank hours Mon & Wed from 12 - 4
HOPE Chest Thrift Store
located at 107 E. 1st St. Hours: Mon Wed Fri from 10 - 4 www.hopeofrainier.com
our Flag Program involving the display
of 235 US flags on national patriotic holidays.
Currently accepting Holiday food box donations Please call for the list
“We Serve” in many ways
Join us – We serve better together For more information, call 503-396-7046
If you or someone you know is interested in rewarding position, helping our most vulnerable citizens live great lives, reach out and apply! We have excellent benefits and even squeeze in fun activities like our annual ski day! Come join our team!
What is a not for profit? A not for profit is a business that does philanthropic work for the greater good of the community. Being a not for profit does not mean you don’t make a profit, it means you don’t have shareholders to which you are responsible. Any profit made at lifempowered goes directly back into our services, to cover increases in the cost of doing business; infrastructure and repairs, food and lodging for the people we support and ideally, wage increases for our dedicated and invaluable Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s). DSP’s are the backbone of our services. Without them, we would not exist. They show up, even in this awful time of COVID-19, 24/7, to ensure that the people we support – Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) – are able to live the life they choose.
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Despite being a private, not for profit agency, lifempowered is heavily dependent on the funding provided by the Oregon State Legislators for IDD services in 24 hour settings. Because we are chronically underfunded: current funding supports about 70% of our cost of doing business, 88% of which is the cost of 24 hour employees, we are always struggling to give wage increases and pay what our amazing DSP’s deserve. Thankfully, this last legislative session saw the largest increase in funding ever in the history of IDD services, but unfortunately it will not be distributed until July of 2022. Between the chronic underfunding, the COVID-19 pandemic and the high cost of living, we are at an all-time staffing low. And, as you can imagine, we cannot safely operate without our DSP’s.
If you would like to contribute in other ways, we would love to hear from you – we are always looking for motivated people to join our Board of Directors, volunteers for our Capital Campaign, and of course financial donations are always appreciated. You can apply for open positions directly at 105 Port Avenue in St Helens or on our website www.lifemp.org. For more information about joining our Board, reach out to Cindy Stockton, Executive Director at 503-397-1922 X 302 We can’t wait to hear from you!